Legislative briefs: State Senate passes resolution slamming EPA

The state Senate has approved a resolution declaring the Kentucky coal industry exempt from oversight by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The resolution passed 28-10 in a floor vote Monday afternoon.

Republican Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard sponsored the unenforceable resolution that now heads to the House. The resolution is intended only to send a message to the EPA that lawmakers are frustrated by what they consider "over-regulation" of the coal industry by the federal agency. Smith acknowledges that the bill isn't likely to compel the EPA to change its policies.

House OKs interstate racing compact bill

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The House approved a bill Monday that would allow Kentucky to join an interstate racing compact, which would oversee rules regarding racing and wagering across state lines.

House Bill 465 is similar to a bill that approved by the Senate earlier this month. The measure would allow Gov. Steve Beshear to join an interstate racing compact that could issue regulations in horse racing states. The compact would not go into effect until at least six states join it. The compact would help develop uniform rules for the fragmented industry, backers of the proposal say.

HB465 also includes language that ensures the legislature's administrative regulation committee is aware of possible changes to Kentucky's racing laws that the interstate compact is working on. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Susan Westrom, D- Lexington, said she is hopeful the Senate will approve the House version of the interstate racing compact. The House has not voted on the Senate's version of the measure.